POS6-1429
Sulfonated Fe-MOF–Polytriazole Hybrid Membranes with Enhanced Proton Conductivity: Structure–Property Relationships and Application Potential
When and Where
Nov 30, -0001
00:00 - 00:00
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Presenter(s)
RIDDHI KAMBLE (Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are critical components in fuel cells and other electrochemical energy devices, where they function as ion-conducting barriers separating electrodes while facilitating proton transport. The performance of PEMs depends on achieving high proton conductivity, excellent oxidative stability, controlled water uptake, and robust mechanical properties.
In this work, we report the design and fabrication of advanced hybrid membranes based on sulfonated polytriazole (PTSF) matrices incorporating sulfonated iron-based metal–organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs). The Fe-MOF precursor was synthesized via solvothermal reaction of FeCl₃·6H₂O with 2-aminoterephthalic acid, forming Fe-MIL-53-NH₂, which was subsequently post-functionalized through ring-opening sulfonation using 1,3-propane sultone. This sulfonated Fe-MOF (Fe-S MOF) introduces abundant –SO₃H groups, enhancing hydrophilicity and providing potential proton-conducting sites.
The Fe-S MOF was homogeneously incorporated into the sulfonated polytriazole matrix via a solution blending method to prepare free-standing, flexible membranes with varying Fe-S MOF loadings (3–9 wt%). Detailed characterization confirmed successful synthesis and integration of the hybrid membranes. ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses verified chemical modifications, while SEM, AFM, and TEM imaging revealed uniform MOF dispersion and well-separated phase morphologies within the polymer matrix.
Thermal and mechanical testing demonstrated that the hybrid membranes retained high oxidative stability and good dimensional stability. The inclusion of sulfonated Fe-MOF improved water uptake (up to 38% at 80 °C) while maintaining controlled swelling ratios (7–15% at 80 °C). Importantly, proton conductivity was significantly enhanced, with maximum values reaching approximately 80 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C, surpassing the pristine PTSF membrane. The improved proton transport can be attributed to the formation of interconnected ionic channels facilitated by the uniformly dispersed MOF nanoparticles and their hydrophilic domains.
These results demonstrate that the sulfonated Fe-MOF/PTS hybrid membranes offer an effective strategy for designing next-generation PEM materials. By balancing conductivity, stability, and processability, these materials show strong potential for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices requiring efficient ion-conducting membranes.
In this work, we report the design and fabrication of advanced hybrid membranes based on sulfonated polytriazole (PTSF) matrices incorporating sulfonated iron-based metal–organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs). The Fe-MOF precursor was synthesized via solvothermal reaction of FeCl₃·6H₂O with 2-aminoterephthalic acid, forming Fe-MIL-53-NH₂, which was subsequently post-functionalized through ring-opening sulfonation using 1,3-propane sultone. This sulfonated Fe-MOF (Fe-S MOF) introduces abundant –SO₃H groups, enhancing hydrophilicity and providing potential proton-conducting sites.
The Fe-S MOF was homogeneously incorporated into the sulfonated polytriazole matrix via a solution blending method to prepare free-standing, flexible membranes with varying Fe-S MOF loadings (3–9 wt%). Detailed characterization confirmed successful synthesis and integration of the hybrid membranes. ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses verified chemical modifications, while SEM, AFM, and TEM imaging revealed uniform MOF dispersion and well-separated phase morphologies within the polymer matrix.
Thermal and mechanical testing demonstrated that the hybrid membranes retained high oxidative stability and good dimensional stability. The inclusion of sulfonated Fe-MOF improved water uptake (up to 38% at 80 °C) while maintaining controlled swelling ratios (7–15% at 80 °C). Importantly, proton conductivity was significantly enhanced, with maximum values reaching approximately 80 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C, surpassing the pristine PTSF membrane. The improved proton transport can be attributed to the formation of interconnected ionic channels facilitated by the uniformly dispersed MOF nanoparticles and their hydrophilic domains.
These results demonstrate that the sulfonated Fe-MOF/PTS hybrid membranes offer an effective strategy for designing next-generation PEM materials. By balancing conductivity, stability, and processability, these materials show strong potential for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices requiring efficient ion-conducting membranes.
